Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is reportedly facing social media backlash in China after it was announced he will participate in a benefit concert for Tibet House U.S., the New York cultural center dedicated to Tibetan heritage.
Keanu Reeves is set to perform in the March 3 virtual concert, which is being organized by composer and longtime Tibet supporter Philip Glass. Musicians set to appear include Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, and Laurie Anderson.
The Matrix star’s participation isn’t going over well with his fans in China. according to a report in Singapore’s The Straits Times. “I used to be a fan of Reeves not only because he’s a great actor, but also because he has Chinese heritage,” said one Weibo user. “But apparently we hold different views on Tibetan issues and it’s a no-brainer for me to stop liking him because of that.”
The backlash comes as the most recent Matrix movie — The Matrix: Resurrections — has become the latest Hollywood blockbuster to flop in China, grossing a paltry $7.5 million on its opening weekend.
Some in China are calling for a boycott of Matrix: Resurrections due to Reeves’ involvement in the Tibet concert, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.